Love the Sun, But Love SPF More

I can get pretty preachy when I’m passionate about something. Like how Boston Terriers are the cutest breed of dog and how The Bachelorette is quality television, for example. The importance of wearing SPF is also something I step on my proverbial pulpit for. It’s the single most important step in preventing skin cancer, and if that doesn’t quite resonate, hello, the anti-aging benefits should!

Here’s our picks for the best sunscreens of summer, and beyond. Remember, SPF is a year-round necessity!

Best in Multitasking. Kate Somerville SPF 55 Serum Sunscreen. We trust our faces with Kate completely, and SPF is no exception. We especially love that this antioxidant-rich sunscreen doubles as a serum, eliminating an extra step in our morning routine. $45 for 2oz. KateSomerville.com

Best in Natural. Josie Maran Protect Daily Sun Protection Argan Oil Infused SPF 40+. Sometimes natural sunscreens can be tough to blend, but not this one. This is infused with Argan Oil, and works to repair skin and improve skin tone. I love the mild, lightweight formula. I find it’s a great base for makeup in the summer, too! $32 for 2 oz. Sephora.com

Best in Texture. SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50. Absolutely weightless, this is a powerhouse at fighting off the sun’s harmful rays. It contains only physical blockers, as well as a plankton extract (called artemia salina) to increase the skin’s ability to defend against UV and heat stress. As an added bonus, it comes in a universal tint that makes makeup-free days a reality. $30 for 1.7 oz. SkinCeuticals.com

Best in Powder. Jane Iredale Powder-Me SPF™ Dry Sunscreen – SPF 30. Ancient clay rich in minerals is at play in this product, and this might be my favorite for the purse. It starts working upon application, and layers well over moisturizer and other products. The tanned version is great for giving arms and legs some sculpt, and the translucent seamlessly disappears while protecting. The only downside? It’s kinda pricey. $44, Jane Iredale

Best in Lips. Bobbi Brown Treatment Lip Shine SPF 15. This formula covers off on the SPF, and is the perfect summery lip. Bright colors in a sheer, juicy formula that’s packed with cocoa and shea butters and jojoba, apricot kernel and avocado oils. It really is a treatment for your lips! $23, BobbiBrownCosmetics.com

Best in Budget. Aveeno Smart Essentials Daily Nourishing Moisturizer SPF 30. Aveeno does sun protection very well, and I really appreciate how they included SPF 30 in the Smart Essentials day moisturizer. Another multitasker! The star ingredient is southernwood extract, an antioxidant that helps soothe stressed skin. $15 for 2.5 oz. Ulta

Best in Ingredients. PCA Skin Perfecting Protection SPF 30. There are so many rock star ingredients in here, it’s mind-blowing. Caffeine, Silybin (a.k.a. milk thistle), bearberry, licorice root extract, lactic acid, kojic acid, among others, work to reduce skin discoloration and prevent future hyperpigmentation. Sun spots, you’ve been warned. I use this mainly on my arms, chest and neck but it is also good for the face. $24 for 1.7 oz. Dermstore.com

Veronica and Sarah, I’d recommend a strong physical blocker, like the Skinceuticals. Other options would be a baby sunscreen (Aveeno Baby for example) which has only physical, mineral-based UVA and UVB protection. And totally cracking up at “melastache.” I feel ya girls!